(WIA) of 1998. WIA section 168 authorizes the Department of Labor to make grants to meet the needs for workforce investment activities of veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who have significant barriers to employment, veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and recently separated veterans within 48 months of discharge (under conditions other than dishonorable). Veterans who received a "dishonorable'" discharge are ineligible for VWIP services. Priority of service for veterans in all Department of Labor funded training programs is established in 38 U.S.C. 4215.

VWIP grants are intended to address two objectives: (a) To provide services to assist in reintegrating eligible veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force; and (b) to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex employability problems facing eligible veterans. DOL-VETS will award $6.9 million for PY 2009, and expects to fund up to 13 grants.

Projects that support the President's commitment to ``Green Energy Jobs' and propose a clear strategy for training and employment in the renewable energy economy, are considered unique and innovative and will receive priority consideration.